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Words of Radiance: The Stormlight Archive #2    by Brandon Sanderson Amazon.com order for
Words of Radiance
by Brandon Sanderson
Order:  USA  Can
Tor, 2014 (2014)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* * *   Reviewed by Kevin Fournier

Words of Radiance, the second novel (following The Way of Kings) in Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive fantasy series, continues Sanderson's tradition of written excellence. As before, we follow the adventures of Kaladin, Shallan and the house of Kholin, who all meet upon the Shattered Plains and are embroiled in the war against the Parshendi.

Kaladin's plotline focuses on his new role as a Captain in Dalinar Kholin's army and his efforts to master his burgeoning Surgebinder's powers as well as to ensure the safety of those under his command. His life is further complicated as he struggles to trust the lighteyes and deal with the return of an old enemy, amidst an increasingly deadly political landscape.

Shallan however becomes separated from her mentor Jasnah by a storm of deadly intrigue. She has to find her way to the Shattered Plains with only her own wits and courage to sustain her. Once there she must navigate a maze of deadly intrigue to advance her mentor's goals and identify those that work against them.

The Kholin family continues to try and deal with the divided Highprinces on the Shattered Plains as their nemesis Sadeas plots against them. Uniting the politely warring elements of the army will require them to take aggressive action if they are to succeed before the Parshendi finally move to end the war for real.

Brandon Sanderson's second book comes to a stunning conclusion as he seems to draw a close to the comfortable era that his characters knew, and launch them into a deadly new world of incredible powers and people. This Stormlight Archive series is not to be missed by serious fantasy fans.

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